Beef Cattle

Except for beef feeder cattle, all cattle moving to a public sale (livestock market, buying station or sale barn) or public exhibition in Virginia should be identified with an official ear tag. Sale or event managers may provide a tagging service at their locations, but may also charge a fee for this service. Official ear tags are available from the Office of Veterinary Services, from accredited veterinarians or from a number of local and online vendors. Please note that if you purchase 840-series ear tags, a Premises Identification Number will be required.

All beef cattle moving interstate must be officially identified and must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) except under the following conditions:

Beef feeder cattle less than 18-months of age do not have to be individually identified, but must be accompanied by a complete CVI.

Cattle moving interstate direct to a slaughter facility from an approved market or buying station may be identified with an official back tag and do not require a CVI.

Cattle moving temporarily to an adjacent state for grazing purposes that do not change ownership must be officially identified, but do not require a CVI. A signed Commuter Herd Agreement must be in place with both states before cattle move in this manner.

Cattle moving from Virginia to an approved livestock market and tagging site in one of the following states do not have to be identified and do not have to have a CVI – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. Cattle will be tagged with official ID at the destination market and owners may be charged a tagging fee.